With graduation right around the corner, a dozen outstanding Santa Paula High School seniors will soon be entering college armed with the good wishes - and plenty of cash - from the Rotary Club, including Ricardo Alamillo, recipient the $2,500 Eb Tate Memorial Award for aspiring engineers.
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
With graduation right around the corner, a dozen outstanding Santa Paula High School seniors will soon be entering college armed with the good wishes - and plenty of cash - from the Rotary Club, including Ricardo Alamillo, recipient the $2,500 Eb Tate Memorial Award for aspiring engineers.
Paul Smith was the Co-Chair of the 2006 Rotary Scholarship program that awarded a record $14,500 to students honored at the May 15 banquet held at Logsdon’s at the Airport.
“The purpose of the Santa Paula Rotary Scholarship program is to recognize the outstanding achievements†of graduates with “financial assistance awards for continuing education,†said Smith.
The students came in for further kudos for being on time for the interviews conducted by members of the Scholarship Committee, the scholarship candidates “Neatly dressed and poised despite last-minute interview schedule changes due to AP exams,†noted Smith.
Rotary Scholarships are based on Grade Point Average, academic standing, student, community activities and extracurricular activities as well as future potential, plans and goals.
During interviews students were asked the same slate of questions including their favorite book and why, the most significant problem faced by Santa Paula and the person or persons who made the biggest impact on their lives and why.
“Moms first,†said Smith, “with fathers, sisters, grandparents and teachers mentioned,†by students in their answers to the latter question.
The Santa Paula Rotary Club Scholarship program was started more than 25 years ago and since then had awarded a whopping $140,000-plus even before the 2006 recipients were announced.
“This program allows the Santa Paula Rotary to show the community its strong support for the future of its men and women,†said Smith. “Equally important, it is valuable to meet and recognize SPUHS students that represent the high standards of Rotary.â€
Rotarian Rob Sawyer, the Keynote Speaker, introduced the Ed Tate Memorial Scholarship Award named in honor of the longtime Rotarian and noted engineer that was received by Alamillo.
Alamillo, the Student Representative on the SPUHS Board of Trustees, is first in his class with a 4.59 GPA. Alamillo, a Rotary Jr. Achievement winner and holder of the highest ever US History Advanced Placement score in SPUHS history, has been accepted to UCSB where he will study engineering.
Rotarian Adrina Ramos, Co-Chair of the Rotary Scholarship Committee presented the scholarship checks to the students who she lauded for their dedication and perseverance.
With a GPA of 4.56, Kristen Mauricio was awarded the $2,000 Grand Prize Academic Scholarship; although she must choose between UCSB and Notre Dame, Mauricio will major in political science.
Rena Sepulveda, who earned a 4.44 GPA, will be attending Berkeley where her $1,500 scholarship will help pursue her studies in political science. Sepulveda was also a Rotary Jr. Achievement winner who has been active in FFA.
Thousand-dollar scholarships were awarded to Jenae Quintana, Daniel Kim, Leticia Cabrera, Brandy Allee, Monica Jacinto, Alisha Leal, Sydney Magdaleno and Sandra Sofia Roman.
Edgar Benitez received a $500 scholarship.
Source: santapaulatimes.com
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